Egypt's armed forces kill 20 militants in restive Sinai

At least 20 militants were killed and 12 others wounded on Thursday in operations launched by the Egyptian armed forces in the restive North Sinai province, a statement said.

"The forces continued their raids on the hideouts and dens of terrorist elements in the villages around cities of Arish, Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid, and imposed full control over them," the army said in the statement.

It added that the forces arrested 78 suspects and destroyed eight warehouses containing tons of gas, ammunition and marijuana.

Egypt has been mired in violence that killed hundreds of police and soldiers since the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi by the army in July 2013 following mass protests against his one-year rule.

Earlier this month, a blast hit a military prosecution office and police station in Arish city, killing two people and wounding several others.

Most of such attacks were claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis militant group, which changed its name to "Sinai State" and declared loyalty to the Islamic State.

Egypt has killed over 600 militants and arrested hundreds of others in recent operations in North Sinai as part of the country's "war against terrorism" declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Endit